Senegal parliament delays election until after opposition lawmakers are blocked from voting
PBS NewsHourJan 31
Senegal: President Pledges Election 'as Soon as Possible'
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The Facts
Senegalese Pres. Macky Sall on Friday vowed to carry out, without delay, consultations to hold the presidential election "as soon as possible."
This comes a day after the country's top court ruled that a bill postponing the national vote — initially planned for Feb. 25 — to Dec. 15 was unconstitutional, and ordered the poll to be conducted at the earliest feasible date.
The Spin
Narrative A
Given that Macky Sall has sought to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional limits, his vows to comply with the ruling from the top court in Senegal and hold presidential elections "as soon as possible" means little. As Sall will set the date for the vote, it wouldn't be surprising if the balloting only takes place long after his term has ended.
Narrative B
Despite baseless allegations against him, Sall has never aspired to be a dictator. His decisions regarding the upcoming elections were intended to strengthen Senegalese democracy for future generations and avoid worse electoral chaos amid escalating crises. Before heading to the polls, the nation must engage in dialogue to heal divisions and reduce tensions.
